Repetitive Stress Injuries in Young Athletes
August 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Articles About Youth Sports
By: Dr. Mark Walter
There has been a definite increase in overuse injuries in children. Repetitive-stress injuries (RSI) used to be a relatively rare problem for the young, or so it seemed. This has all changed.
Of course, you would see an occasional Osgood-Schlatter’s or epicondylitis, but with the emergence of organized sports and their emphasis on repetitive drills, as well as the more recent trend toward sports specialization in young athletes, RSI is now a relatively common problem. Chiropractors are experts at treating these types of injuries. If managed carefully, most adolescent athletes can recover completely from these injuries.
Let’s take a specific example of a RSI: spondylolysis (stress fracture of the vertebrae). It is estimated that 15 percent to 20 percent of gymnasts develop this type of stress fracture. However, it affects many young athletes who perform any activity that requires repetitive hyperextension of the lower back. Dancers, divers, gymnasts, high jumpers, offensive linemen, pole vaulters, weight lifters and wrestlers all demonstrate an increased incidence of spondylolysis. Read more
Michael Vick and Teachable Moments for Parents
July 29, 2009 by barryk
Filed under Articles About Youth Sports, SDL Blog
How do you feel about Michael Vick being released from prison and most likely playing in the NFL? To some, the mere mention of this brings disgust due to his abhorrent involvement in dog fighting.
I am not going to tell you how you should feel about Michael Vick, or your thoughts on dog fighting.
The bigger question?
How can we use this situation, and others like it, as one of those “teachable moments” between parents and their kids?
These situations provide a terrific opportunity to have a great discussion with your kids about current events, without sounding like a lecture.
How? Ask Questions.
- What do you think about dog fighting?
- What do you think about the person who gets involved in this activity?
- Would you want to be friends with someone who does this?
- Should Michael Vick be given a second chance now that he has served his time in prison?
- What do you think he could do to help people feel differently about him?
I’m sure you can think of many others, but you get the point.
Can you see how this would engage your child to think and discuss instead of tuning you out with another eye roll?
What is your take on this? Do you have better questions? How do you handle these types of moments?
Parents - Grab A Whistle and Give it a Try
July 14, 2009 by barryk
Filed under Articles About Youth Sports, SDL Blog, SDL Conversations
I attended the finals of a high school girls basketball tournament last night. Now remember, this is a summer tournament, not a high school event.
It just amazes me to sit and listen to the comments being made. Parents yelling at the kids, or even worse other players on the team. Yelling at officials. SUMMER GAME!
Excuse me if this sounds bad, but so many times I look at the father screaming and shouting instructions the loudest and I would bet my last dollar this guy never played competitive basketball in his life! Read more
Softball Team Shows it is More than Wins and Loses
June 30, 2009 by barryk
Filed under Articles About Youth Sports
Update below: Youth Sports and it’s coaches, provide the perfect classroom for life lessons. This article about a girls softball team is a heartwarming example
Northampton Softball Team Making a Difference
Update:
At the softball teams dinner banquet, Gabby was invited to attend and was honored. She also provided small gifts to each of the players. She is still undergoing treatments and is battling leukemia like a true champion. She is doing fabulous. Gabby also attended a Miracle League game to become an Angel in the Outfield. This is one remarkable young girl. Her mother, father, and sister are just a wonderful, supportive and humble family.
Here is a picture of Gabby with Alex - the teams record setting pitcher who will be attending Bucknell University in the fall on scholarship, and with all the graduating seniors. The teams record was 18-6 and lost to the eventual State Champions in the District playoffs. What an inspirational group of young women! Read more
Bottom 10 Moments and Top 10 Moments in Sports, 2008
April 25, 2009 by barryk
Filed under Articles About Youth Sports
Each week, Single Dad Life publish articles of interest about youth sports.
PCA annually releases this list of the worst and best behavior in sports from pee-wees to the pros to stimulate discussion among parents, coaches, players and educators. And, in an excerpt from his book, Positive Sports Parenting, PCA Founder and Executive Director Jim Thompson explains how coaches and parents can help youth and high school athletes process the life lessons contained in the Bottom 10 and Top 10 Moments.
Enjoy the Video of the Top Moment!
